-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Beset by war and sectarian violence , Iraq has not had a lot to laugh about in recent years .

But a trio of old friends from Baghdad have sought to change that , by distilling the jokey banter of their late-night drinking sessions into a controversial talk show .

Hosted by Yasser Sami and Walid Monam , and produced by their friend Ghazwan Al-Shawi , the show is called `` Akou Fad Wahad '' -- `` There is this guy '' -- the typical setup for one of their anecdotes .

The aim behind the production , says Al-Shawi , `` was to make people smile . ''

`` We wanted to do anything to make miserable and sad people happy , '' he said .

But while it 's proved a hit with their predominantly male audience , not everyone appreciates their sense of humor .

Sami describes the first episode , broadcast in the summer of 2011 , as `` very bold . ''

`` It got us into a lot of trouble because there was sexual and pornographic innuendos , so it was like a shock for all Iraqis , '' he laughs .

Since then , the show has routinely offended the conservative sectors of Iraqi society with its discussion of taboo topics including relationships and sex . A religious group staged a demonstration outside the show 's studio last year , and government censors complained about the content .

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Sami said a gang even turned up at his house , threatening him . `` I ca n't tell you -LRB- who -RRB- because this means I will give them another chance to come to me again , '' he laughs .

The jokes might not be considered particularly edgy to non-Iraqis -- or even necessarily that funny . A typical gag goes like this : `` A stoned guy bought two birds for his mother , one tweeting and the other silent . She asks , ` Son , why is it that only one of them that is tweeting ? ' ` Mother , the other one is the composer , ' he replied . ''

But although the humor may seem mild , Iraq is not yet ready for `` Akou Wad Fahad . '' Sami says the team has had to modify their approach in order to continue broadcasting .

`` We changed things in the show , '' he said . `` We used to have a female DJ , but we were asked to remove her from the show , and we did . ''

Even in the new Iraq , said Monam , there are still many `` red lines '' that can not be crossed in entertainment . `` Were it not for the limitations that are imposed on us , it would be a much better show . But we have to live with social taboos , '' he said .

Challenging this , he says , is `` impossible , '' at least for now . But as frustrating as it might be , he and his friends are content to tone down their act , if it means bringing a smile to people 's faces .

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A trio of old friends from Baghdad have started a controversial talk show

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It 's proved a hit with their predominantly male audience

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But not everyone appreciates the humor , which often involves sexual innuendo

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A religious group staged a demonstration outside the show 's studio last year